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Political Graffiti adorns many mountains, house walls, and other buildings where there is a suitable flat surface.The Horse is the symbol of the current presidents party and the Half Sun is the Islamic fundamentalist party. The symbols are often seen together on a wall but usually in different colours. I was told the reason for this is that one party will have put their symbol first, then the other party added theirs.
Yemen is divided into five natural topograhic regions: mountains, highlands, desert, coast, and offshore islands. Much of the central region of Yemen is mountainous, ranging between 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) and 12,336 feet (3,760 meters) in elevation, and consisting of steep, rugged mountain ranges with fertile wadis between them.Much of the population of Yemen currently lives within the mountain region, and has since ancient times. In rural areas, the people established mountaintop villages for two main reasons. One was for protection from enemies during periods of tribal warfare that were prevalent in Yemen at the time. The other was so that what little level land there was could be used for agricultural purposes. Rather than waste level land on buildings, crops were planted instead.Nowadays, these mountaintop villages are no longer as isolated as they once were. Many can be reached...
Especially when you are hiking cross-country, people from small villages will invite you to their house to eat, drink tea or chew quat leaves (the local drug). Even if they don`t speak your language they will indicate the invitation by moving their fingers to their mouth. They do mean it - it is not just politeness. If you don`t want to accept the offer, say "la, schukran" ("no, thank you").Anywhere people may approach you to talk to you, brush up their English and ask you where you`re from and if you like Yemen (Feez al-Yemen?). The nice thing is that usually there is no hidden agenda but a true interest in the foreign guest and how he or she sees the Jemen.
Most Yemeni's are devout Muslims which requires them to pray up t 5 times a day. While most guides or drivers may skip this for you since are paying them for their services but I tried to make it a point of asking them if they wanted to go to the mosque during my adventures. At the vary least it gives you 15-20 min to rest and recount the days sights but it also goes a long way towards building some respect with these great people
Despite being a desert country, Yemen has some fertile areas, especially wadis, in which most of the country's food is grown. Common crops grown in the country include bananas, mangoes, oranges and other citrus fruits, papayas, pomegranates, dates, figs, coffee beans, all sorts of vegetables, and several varieties of cereal. Most Yemenis do not shop in modern shopping centers as are found in the West. Instead, they rely on street markets to purchase fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and fish on a daily basis. Even non-food items, such as motor oil, batteries, toiletries, etc. can be purchased at street markets. Throughout Yemen, from the largest cities to the smallest villages, street markets cater to locals by offering locally grown foods. For the visitor, street markets offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Yemenis, as well as great photographic opportunities.
Islam was brought to Yemen in 630 A.D. by Ali ibn Abu Talib, and it was during this period that several notable mosques were built in the country, including the Great Mosque in Sana'a. Islam is the official religion of Yemen, although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and allows practitioners of other religions to worship freely. Yemen is generally free from Islamic extremism, unlike in some of its neighboring countries. The people do not tolerate religious zealotry or violence, and the government monitors mosques and religious schools for sermons that incite violence or extremism.Muslims in Yemen are divided between two principal groups: the Sunni (about 50 to 55 percent) and the Shi'a (about 42 to 47 percent). The Shi'a group is further divided into the Zaidi, Ja'fari, and Isma'ili orders. The Zaidis are generally in the north and northwest part of the country, the...
More than anywhere I've visited, as a tourist carrying a camera you will attract hordes of children wanting you to take their picture ('Sura' is Arabic for photo). All they want is to look at the picture on the screen of the camera and provided that you don't start a riot because more and more children wanting their picture taken start appearing it's usually entertaining. You may even get the odd good photo: the only drawback is that it can get very time-consuming. Infinitely better than being pestered for pens or money: you actually get to relate to the kids. Good fun.
The Yemeni flag is based upon tricolour flags of the former North and South divisions of the country before unification. The Red, white and black are all Pan-Arab colours symbolizing Arab unity. It was officially adopted on May 22, 1990.
If you are a drinker, you will be happy with this fact. The Yemeni Customs Allowances are that non- Muslim visitors may import alcohol for their own use. The other astounding fact is – there is no limit to how much you can bring in as long as it is for personal use. You are advised, of course, not to drink in public areas. Sounds like a good balance to me.Muslims are not allowed to do this at all. Please find a link to the Official website below:
First some misunderstandings:1) "There is no limit on the importation of alcohol." Yes there is. Of course there is. This is a very traditional muslim country. Even though it's not mentioned on the big notice board in the luggage hall at Sana'a International Airport, nor on the website of the Yemen Tourist Board you are NOT allowed to bring in alcoholic beverages in unlimited quantities. Muslims (in fact anyone from a muslim country, whether he or she is mulsim or not) are not allowed to bring in alcohol at all. Other foreigners may bring in 2 or 3 bottles each - the rules are rather vague, but this is what the airport customs people will tell you. There are frequent random checks of luggage (there is no real green "Nothing to declare" lane).2) "Qat dissolves over time. There is no spitting." No, it doesn't dissolve and yes, there is spitting.3) "People are muslim, so the women have to...
Arabia Felix Sanaa
6 Reviews and 22 Opinions absolutely PERFECT! We had all we need - hot water, cable TV, views and very interesting stay....
Shibam Hotel Shibam
2 Reviews and 0 Opinions I didn't stay there, but went there in early afternoon hoping for a cup of tea. But they don't have...
Al Hawta Palace Hotel Say'un
1 Review and 10 Opinions Al Hawta Palace Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Say'un and is set in lovely landscaped...
Reviews and photos of Yemen attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Yemen sightseeing.
More Regions in Yemen
Q: Hi, i want to travel to hodeidah and then to Mukalla.Can I get flight from hod to Mukalla and Mukalla to saana?
A: The only domestic carriers are Yemenia and Felix. There are no direct connections from Hodeidah to Mukhalla. You'd have to go via San'a. Of note, San'a airport has closed...
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